The Kansas City Culinary Institute is not only one of the top pastry chef schools in Kansas, it also has a reputable name and national recognition. Also known as The Art Institute of Kansas City, it is one of 45 of the campuses across the United States and it offers prospective students to obtain a Diploma or Associate of Science. But what can an education really do for you? Most employers today will not even hire for entry level positions unless individuals have some formal education and training. Attending this institution and getting formal culinary, baking and pastry training can increase the opportunities available to you, make getting hired easier and can give you and edge over your competition as you progress in your career.
Where is the Campus Located?
The campus for the Kansas City Culinary Institute is located in Lenexa, which is a satellite city of Kansas City in Johnson County. For prospective students who need an exact address to obtain more information or to attend class, the address is:
The Art Institute of Kansas City
8208 Melrose Drive
Lenexa, KS 66214
About the Institute
The International Culinary School of the Art Institutes offers students the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques used in all aspects of the culinary arts, including baking and pastry creation. Classes are taught by experienced professionals and students gain hands-on-experience in state of the art facilities using the best tools, equipment and appliances available. This method of teaching will allow graduates to obtain entry and mid-level pastry chef jobs easier, and classroom skills can be translated into the workplace.
Accreditation
Making sure a college or institution is accredited is an important step of the research process, because it ensures you are getting a quality education through a program that has state and national recognition. Currently, the Kansas City Culinary Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, allowing it to award Associate Degrees and Diplomas in all fields, including baking and pastry.
Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
The AAS degree program at the Kansas City Culinary Institute focuses on the basics of the culinary arts, but also emphasizes baking, dessert creation and cake decorating. But why do you need culinary classes if your goal is to become a pastry chef? The fact is, there are universal elements such as mixing, nutrition, kitchen safety and sanitation that can be applied to every facet, regardless of what you are creating. This is why this degree program is considered extremely well-rounded compared to other pastry arts degree programs.
Also, in real world situations, a curriculum structured in this way can help students pursue multiple career paths within the pastry niche. While most students start out as an assistant pastry chef, this training and hands-on experience can allow graduates to eventually become chocolatiers, cake decorators and executive pastry chefs.
Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma
If you do not want to commit to completing a two-year degree program, or want to be put on the fast track to becoming a pastry chef – this is the ideal program for you. This curriculum is also ideal for individuals who need to work while attending school. However, this degree tends to be tailored to prospective student’s needs; so coursework and completion time can vary between individuals.
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid
As of 2011, the cost of an Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry will cost $43,920 plus $200 in program fees. Also, students will need to include the cost of books and resources, which is approximately $1300. The Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts will cost $26840, with books costing $950 and program fees of $200. Not included in this estimate is room and board, which may or may not be required depending on the student’s current living situation.
While these expenses can seem overwhelming, state and financial aid can be obtained if individuals qualify. Also, pastry chef scholarships, grants and loans can also be applied to make this program more affordable.
The program offered at The Art Institute of Kansas City offers students an amazing opportunity to become a pastry chef with a formal diploma or AAS degree. Is this campus not the right choice for you, or do you want to check out the alternatives? Why not learn more about pastry chef schools in Kansas today!
